Taco Time

Posted inAmerica, Columns, Food

Sometimes I have trouble focusing. I may have an important problem and can’t figure out the proper solution. I might have a number of projects due at the same time. I also might have friends who disparage foods I like and need to focus on setting them straight.

I don’t know how all of these really started. From my best recollection and sleuthing through my online interactions, it seems as if someone I know posted an article which criticized hard tacos. Someone else agreed. That’s where I had to step in.

I could not stand by and let someone say that hard tacos did not really count as tacos. Why would anyone say something like that?

Olympic Obsession

Posted inColumns, Olympics, Sports, TV

I think my obsession started with the “Guinness Book of World Records.” We always had one lying around the house when I was a kid so you could check the distance of the longest grape toss which someone caught in their mouth.

The book also had lists of Olympic medalists in every sport. I used to study those lists and dream of my own Olympic glory. That’s how I ended up writing a sixth-grade essay about how I would defeat Roman Dmitriev, the Russian lightweight wrestler, to win my first gold medal in 1984.

Instead, I ended up in the seats at those Olympics watching with my two brothers. Dmitriev didn’t make it either because of the Soviet boycott, so I guess he gets half the blame for me not having my Olympic moment at 16. He had also retired at that point, but that’s extraneous to my fantasies.

I bring all this up because the 2012 Summer Olympics start this weekend. That means I feel a little distracted pretty much all the time. I don’t just get obsessed with who will win the wrestling competition. I get into pretty much everything.

Book Review: Eating the Dinosaur

Posted inBooks
I came to know Chuck Klosterman through his appearances on The B.S. Report, a podcast by ESPN columnist Bill Simmons. I might have read some e-mail exchanges between the two…

Say It, Don. SAY IT!

Posted inTV
I have not had this feeling for two or three years. I don't have an episode of "Mad Men" awaiting me. I didn't get into the show until a few…

Better Red Than Dead

Posted inBeach, Columns, Family

We have certain traditions on my family’s annual beach vacation. We always have a cornhole tournament. One night features a crab feast. In recent years, we have added a scavenger hunt for the children in the family.

This year, one of the irregular traditions I observe has returned. I got sunburn really bad, really fast.

As one of true Irish blood, I don’t really tan. I can get a darker tint to my skin, but you would never mistake me for one of the “jersey Shore” characters.

That crew tans so much, they almost turn orange. I get red after just a few hours in the sun.

Give the Kids a Chance

Posted inColumns, Hanover
This is my weekly column, but I have been writing on this issue for a few days over at www.livinginhanover.com.  I remember going to see the musical during my sophomore…

Another Wedding Miscue

Posted inColumns, Family
Some recent weddings in my family produced some embarassment for me. I'm not talking about making a fool out of myself on the dance floor because I have enough company…

Happy Father’s Day

Posted inFamily
I have had a good Father's Day. I got a nice present from my daughter. My wife made an amazing breakfast for me. Later today, my father-in-law will come by…